This is Girl Person. And I have been posting so much on our blog and social channels as of late regarding our many struggles as a family of two persons and two dogs. The struggles we are having are very unique to us, just like the struggles that you face are very unique to you. Just today, I asked my mom how she was. And she stated it was easier just to say she was fine. I think we all feel like that sometimes.
I don’t talk very much on our social channels regarding specific health treatments we are doing for Brickle or Fruitycake. But the reality is, we are tired. Frustrated. Then we are happy. Hopeful. That is just the nature of being a caregiver. But I can say that I am so very happy with the progress we have made for Brickle’s pain management. We have a long way to go. But I finally feel like he is stronger. And I have high hopes that we have many more years together. None of us know what the future brings. But I will keep believing!
I do want to address some things that have been left unsaid on our social channels. I do not appreciate when others try to make me read “thru the lines”. So I don’t want you to either. That being said, when I fully explain the problems we have been facing as of late, I risk being ridiculed. I risk my motives being questioned. I risk getting all of those email and messages that make me cry. But this is my truth.
Our plans to move to Italy were absolutely derailed the last year. We saved for and bought a little house in Italy so that we would have no payment once we got there. That house spoke to our hearts. And we needed a change for many reasons. We needed to plan for our future. We also wanted to show animal rescue in other parts of the world. And we wanted to show others that you NEVER have to leave your pets behind to pursue your dreams. But…life had other plans. Our student visas were first denied when we applied as they changed some rules. Then, Brickle started having issues and a diagnosis of mouth melanoma. Our plans stopped as they should have to take care of Brickle. After surgeries and the news that he was only one of the 10% that made it thru this, we regrouped. Unfortunately, our RV had to be returned to our sponsor. We had nowhere to live.
But we made the best of it this last year. We got to stay in some pretty neat vacation rentals and write about dog friendly travel. I expanded my freelance writing business. We got rid of most of our possessions. Because who wants to drag anything half a mile up a hill to our house in Italy?! We put all plans on hold for Italy until we had Brickle stronger. And I hope in the coming weeks and months, he continues this way. Every day is a struggle to see what treatments work. And some set him back that were too much for his body. One day I will write all about that! As well, Fruitycake has had SEVERE allergies since we adopted him from the shelter. To this date, no treatments, shots, diets have helped. We are extremely frustrated. But we will not give up as we research more to do for him. He deserves to feel well. It hurts my heart that he struggles each day with a smile. Many of us with rescues fight this battle too. Don’t give up. Our dogs depend on us to find what works.
But what is going on with Italy, you may wonder. Here is what is happening!
Right now, we have an appointment with a vet to make sure Brickle is ok to travel. And to make sure Fruitycake also is ok. We also have been working with a company who can fly me and the two dogs over in the cabin of a plane directly from the states to Europe. They leave at night so that the sleep patterns lend well to relaxation and they have their own space. Unfortunately, I will have to fly with the dogs and Boy Person will have to fly separately and meet us there. That is what we can afford with our social media promotion of the flight and writing assignment. This is all “up in the air” right now as we wait on availability. What happens with our visas? We continue to learn Italian to be able to take a test in the coming months. We can take the test in the states or Italy, either one. So it all depends on the vet visit and the plane. Yes, I wish I had clearer answers for you right now. But this is my truth. You are our family. And I want you to know what is happening. As it is happening.
I had someone tell me yesterday that they hoped this would all be worth it. And to tell you that I know it will be is not true. I don’t know. I do know that I have a house that is all mine, and that is something I haven’t had for ten years since we started traveling to shelters. I do know that I have wanted to live in Italy since I was a little girl and write my books I have been dreaming about writing. Cookbooks and memoirs and videos every day sharing my life with you. I am so excited about it. But yes, I am scared too.
To someone who doesn’t know us, it may seem selfish to move with our dogs. And I suppose I understand that. But I would NEVER do anything to endanger our dogs. We have waited this long to go because our dogs ARE more important than a house. Than a dream. But if we can make it happen safely and have fun, we will. And I won’t apologize for having a dream and trying to help my depression.
One more thing. And I thought about leaving this out. But I have been dealing with extreme depression and health issues myself. I turned 50 years old this month. And I have been struggling with female problems that are debilitating. I have put my health on hold. I have gained weight. I have pain almost every day of the month. But I am hoping with affordable healthcare in Italy, I can make progress on myself. I don’t know all of the answers. But I do know that I felt the need to tell you my truth. To let you know exactly what is happening.
And to also say that Brickle and Fruitycake are our lives. Our every day and every year and everything is for them. There is nothing more important than our dogs to us. Anyone has a right to question what in the world we are doing. But this isn’t permission to question the love for our pups.
Brickle’s and Fruitycake’s medications are ongoing expenses which are hard to handle! But that house in Italy will wait forever if that is what it takes. We love you all so very much. Your support of our merchandise and giveaways touches our hearts. If you have placed an order, I have it! I work every day to fill them. And I will! Thank you for your patience.
If you are so inclined, this week, inspired by the farm, we have a special edition art print directly from Brickle. With any amount, we will send you one! You can get one here and every bit helps towards their care.
